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Time to Feed Your Succulents

Fertilize succulents when they’re emerging from dormancy and beginning their annual growth spurt, which for most is spring. A light feeding of manure tea, diluted fish emulsion, or a balanced fertilizer will help them grow lush and lovely. See my video.

What do I use?

For container-grown succulents, one Moo Poo tea bag per three gallons of water, steeped overnight.

Uh…”Moo Poo?”

What about in-ground succulents?

I apply Ironite before a winter rainstorm (I know, it’s too late) and a balanced granular fertilizer in March.

How to apply?

Water the plants, then pour manure tea until it begins to run out the pot. In the garden, spread granular fertilizer and water it in.

What kind of granular fertilizer?

The brand doesn’t matter, but the ratio of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorous) and K (potassium) should be equal.

How much?

Succulents need about half the dose recommended on the package.

Is there an organic alternative?

Apply a topdressing of compost. I like fish emulsion, too, for both pots and in-ground plants (diluted half strength).

How often?

Once in spring when daytime temps stay above 60 degrees F. Then again in June.

What if I don’t feed my succulents?

No biggie, but they’ll look and perform better if you do.

Is it OK to fertilize more frequently?

That’s what many growers do. A little bit of fertilizer with every watering promotes rapid growth. However, such plants are considered “soft” (a nursery term) rather than “hard,” meaning tough. It’s a trade-off. I grow my succulents hard to help them endure the vicissitudes of the open garden.

Anything else?

Soils vary from region to region and even within a garden. The best way to know what your soil lacks is to have it tested, but it’s common sense that succulents growing in, say, oak leaf mulch are getting ample nutrients and don’t need fertilizing; those living in pots for years or growing in decomposed granite probably do.

No other soil amendment is as widely used by succulent growers and collectors as pumice (crushed lava rock). Here’s why. [Read more]